downstairs

By the time Karen reaches the kitchen, Carl notices that some of her original wrath has dissipated. Carl takes a deep breath because he realizes that this is his moment of truth.

"Karen," he pleads, "I'm sorry I didn't confront Mom sooner. Even though she is my mother, she has no right to interfere to this degree. You don't deserve her unrelenting criticism. I married you because you are so different from her. For some reason, whenever she is here, I become her little boy again."

"Carl, you are a grown man. You have to stand up to her! I feel that when you just sit there that you are agreeing with everything that hag is saying and it hurts!" complains Karen.

"I know dear," Carl replies, "I'm going to go deal with this situation once and for all."

Carl exited out the door to follow his mother and found her examining the rosebushes by the garage.

"Well, son, these rosebushes are in the same shape that your marriage is. There is quite a bit of disease, but I can still save it," snipped Kat.

"Mother, enough! Just because you don't approve of my choices, doesn't give you the right to barnstorm in here and become a dictator. I love you, mom, but you need to respect that I made these choices and I have to deal with the consequences of my actions, not you,"replied Carl.

"Carl! I didn't raise you to be so disrespectful! What has that woman done to you?"

"She has loved me despite all odds mother, and given me a beautiful child and home to raise a family. You are part of this family, but only if you demonstrate the respect you want from me when you deal with my wife. Do you think you can refrain from all of these bitter diatribes against Karen?" Carl questioned.

"Why do I have to make all of the concessions son?" asks Kat.

"Because you are the one who is creating the conflict mother," Carl states. "Karen will meet you halfway, that's the kind of person she is. Now will you come in and apologize or should I call you a cab?"

"I guess I will try to be a bit nicer. But if she gives me attitude, I can only respond in kind!"

Carl and his mother walked slowly back to the house, continuing their discussion, and yet Carl knew he needed to stop by the phone and call ABC taxi as he entered the kitchen.